Ten things you didn't know about... An Audience With Melvyn Bragg.

1. What is the show: As it says, An Audience With Melvyn Bragg, York Theatre Royal, October 23, 7.30pm.

2. What is in the show? In the first half, the author, journalist, radio presenter, South Bank Show inquisitor and Labour peer presents anecdotes and insights into his celebrity interviewees. In the second, he takes questions from the floor and talks about his latest novel, Crossing The Lines, and his study of the English language, The Adventure Of English. A second TV series, running for four weeks, begins next month. Post-show on Thursday, he will sign his books.

3. Who is in the audience? You are! Unlike his TV and radio shows, Bragg will be the centre of attention. What's more, this is only his third such show, following on from Southampton, more than a year ago, and Richmond, Surrey, in the spring. "I'm not exactly plunging in up to my neck, so far."

4. Is he nervous? "You're making me nervous," he jokes. "Performing live, it becomes interesting. Like when I started doing radio live, it has an edge. Then, in the theatre, you realise these people have come along to see you, it's live, and you are on your own on stage. Why didn't I bring Wigton Choral Society along - though maybe a Yorkshire audience wouldn't thank me for that. Maybe I should have the Minster bells."

5. Why is he doing an Audience With? "It's John Mortimer's fault. John does these 'Evenings With' shows, and I'm a neighbour of his in the country, and he was telling me how enjoyable doing them for charity was."

6. Charity, you say. Who benefits?

"I do them for the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind), to raise money for the talking books project, which does fantastic work. I am so proud of those involved, I will keep shovelling money their way."

7. Who does he talk about in the show? Lawrence Olivier, Dolly Parton, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrew Lloyd Webber, playwright Dennis Potter, artist Tracey Emin, American writer Tennessee Williams and his dog. "I was aware I'd never written about my South Bank encounters, but if you're expecting salacious tales, forget it," Bragg says.

8. Did any South Bank Show guests unnerve him? "Frequently I've felt intimidated, but they're often as nervous as I am, and I rest in the knowledge that I've done my homework, and there is no attempt to take them to the cleaners."

9. Has he asked John Mortimer for any tips on performing on stage?

"John Mortimer is a very wicked man! I wouldn't listen to his advice for a second!"

10. Are there any tickets available?

Yes, at £11 to £15, students and under 25s £3.50. Ring 01904 623568.

Updated: 09:10 Friday, October 17, 2003